Two Rivers Client Dishes Up Success
Courtesy of Two Row Times-The Spirit of All Nations
It is said that most restaurants have a very slim chance of making it past their first year of operation. Nine out of ten restaurants will close down within one year of opening their doors. Maracle Man’s on Sixth Line Road has beaten those odds.
What first started out as your average burger and fry place has now expanded their mouth-watering menu to include: 5 different types of Poutine, loaded Footlong hot dogs, 7 different chicken options, 8 different types of submarine sandwiches, combos, wings and a kids menu.
In an interview with the Two Row Times, Maracle Man’s owner Jesse Maracle had this to say, “We definitely exceeded our own expectations with Maracle Man’s. Some people even told us that we would not survive as a business. This August will be our fourth year anniversary and we already have two locations. So it’s been pretty amazing so far.”
Maracle Man's Owner: Jesse Maracle along with his wife Julia who also manages one of the locations
As a young Onkwehon:we entrepreneur, Maracle has advice for people wanting to start their own business, “When I first started out, I took the Business Management program which was offered through Grand River Employment and Training. Then I submitted my business plan to Two Rivers Community Development Centre and received a loan.
Jesse’s advice to other entrepreneurs is to make sure you have a really solid business plan. Cover all your angles. When I was doing my business plan, I was working at Sit-n-Bull at the time and I actually surveyed how many people were passing by. I asked people if they came to Six Nations to eat and how often. I recorded down the numbers. With Maracle Man’s, it was all about a prime location so I chose a spot with the most traffic and the fact that there were no other food establishments around here was a bonus.”
“The first 6 months were the toughest,” stated Maracle. “But I stayed optimistic even when others would tell me I wouldn’t do good. What it came down to was perfect timing and location. The first year is a struggle as it is for any business that is just starting out. I worked most of the time and didn’t pay myself too much. But I got through it and never gave up. There was definitely a personal sacrifice on my part. I also owe my success to supportive customers who praised the food.”
Maracle Man’s has recently opened up a second location in the village of Ohsweken. “People would always ask me, Jesse, when are you going to open up a place in Ohsweken?” Maracle stated that he is even thinking of opening up a third location off the territory. Whether it’s the Shepards Poutine, Maracle Burger, Crispy Chicken Wrap or their delicious strawberry juice milkshake, Maracle Man’s has everything you need for a delicious meal.
Credit: The Two Row Times is an Onkwehon:we (Onkwehonwe) flagship publication of Garlow Media located on the Six Nations Territory and is a FREE national Aboriginal news publication in print, on facebook and online covering indigenous issues www.tworowtimes.com